A disturbing case out of Evansville, Indiana has brought childcare safety back into sharp focus. Two workers at Kindergate Developmental Child Care Center are facing criminal charges after a 5-year-old was locked in a closet, hit with a broom, and subjected to neglect. Tashshavviyon Stinson, who worked at the facility for ten years, stands accused of the physical abuse and abandonment. Video evidence documented the incidents, including footage of the child locked in a closet while Stinson left to visit a liquor store. The second worker, Andrea Williamson, was present during the abuse but failed to report it, a violation of Indiana’s mandatory reporting law.
For parents in Southwest Florida and across the country, this case raises critical questions about oversight and accountability in childcare. What can you do to ensure your child’s safety? Start by asking detailed questions during facility tours. What background checks do employees undergo? Are there security cameras in classrooms? How does the facility handle suspected abuse or neglect? Check references from other parents, and pay attention to how staff interact with children during your visits. Your child may not always tell you about negative experiences, so open communication and watching for behavioral changes are essential.
The mandatory reporting laws exist because bystanders matter. If you suspect a child is being abused at a daycare, school, or anywhere else, you have a responsibility to report it. This isn’t about being nosy; it’s about protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. What questions do you ask when choosing childcare for your family?
